Day 7 robotics
Most industrial robotic systems are referred to as computer-integrated manufacturing, or CIM. CIM uses a numerical coordinate programming language. The language tells the robot exactly where to go. Then CIM directs the robot to perform a simple, specific function, such as picking up a box. CIM tells the robot each step of a process. This language is ideal for manufacturing that demands exact movements and no adaptation. play_arrow LISTEN CAD CIM can also use a more complex programming software for directions. Computer-aided design, or CAD, is a graphic design program used to create building and product design plans. A CIM operator draws up a set of plans using CAD and then sends the plans directly to a robot in the manufacturing plant. play_arrow LISTEN CAD Instructions The robot's processor turns the CAD graphic information into instructions for the robot. The robot is then able to re-create from the raw material the design that was created by the engineer. This type of programming is often used for cutting machines that reproduce patterns.
At the beginning of the 20th century, factory workers labored long hours in unsafe and unhealthy conditions. Now, robots have taken over many of the unhealthy manufacturing jobs. In addition, robots have decreased the cost and time of manufacturing and made goods less expensive for everyone. play_arrow LISTEN Robot Maids Many people dream of having all their housework done by a machine. In the early 1980s, several companies tried without success to market personal robots. The main problem was cost. Such robots had very limited functionality yet cost around $8,000. Microcomputing power didn't exist to provide the robots with the intelligence required to navigate around the house in search of work. Most of the personal robot companies quickly went out of business. By 2009 there were several household robots on the market. The IRobot-Rumba vacuum cleaner, Electrolux-Trilobite vacuum, Zucchetti-Lawnbolt lawnmower, and IRobot-Scooba 380 swimming pool cleaner are just a few of the household robot now available. A robot may not injure a human being nor, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings, except when such orders conflict with the First Law. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws. If Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics were followed, robots would never be able to take over humanity. Imagine, however, that robotics technology develops to the degree that robots are capable of independent thought. If the technology ever permitted, should robots be granted emotions? Why or why not? If a robot could think and experience human-like emotions, should it be entitled to the same civil rights as a human? Asimov's Laws of Robotics could be broken just like other laws. Some military robots already exist that are programmed to harm people defined as a threat--terrorists, for example. If these robots are programmed with artificial intelligence, they might learn to classify all humans as enemies. Are there ever circumstances that give a robot the legal right to harm a human? These are questions that must be answered. The idea of robots having emotions frightens the people who fear that robots might physically harm humans. Violent, indestructible robots depicted in movies such as "The Terminator" only add to people's fears. Whether these fears are justified or premature is debatable. Technology is advancing so rapidly that robots and computers could actually have independent thought and emotions at some point. Robotic competitions take place every year. Many of the competitions are quiet, scientific demonstrations of a robot's ability to move objects or itself. They're actually tests of engineering and design. note_add Note Another famous robotic competition is the Botball competition. High school and university students build small, simple robots to compete. These robots are programmed to perform a simple task mandated by the competition's organizers. The students must program the robot to perform the action by itself and not by remote control. play_arrow LISTEN Botball Tournament In a Botball tournament, people gather and compete in teams of two robots. The four robots are put into the Botball arena, where the robots attempt to perform a mandated activity as many times as possible. The team whose robot completes the activity the greatest number of times wins. While there is no reason to fear robots taking over the world anytime soon, it is important to interact with robots in a safe manner. When working with any machine that has potentially dangerous moving parts, you should always think of safety first.
